1. What is the Sodium Correction Formula?

The sodium correction formula is used to calculate the corrected sodium level in patients with hyperglycemia. This adjustment is necessary because high glucose levels can cause pseudohyponatremia by drawing water into the vascular space and diluting sodium concentration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sodium correction formula:

Where:

• \( Na \) — Measured sodium level (mEq/L)
• \( Glucose \) — Blood glucose level (mg/dL)

Explanation: For every 100 mg/dL increase in glucose above 100 mg/dL, the measured sodium decreases by approximately 2 mEq/L. This formula corrects for this effect.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Accurate sodium correction is crucial for proper diagnosis and management of electrolyte imbalances in diabetic patients and those with hyperglycemic states. It helps distinguish true hyponatremia from pseudohyponatremia caused by hyperglycemia.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the measured sodium value in mEq/L and the glucose level in mg/dL. Both values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is sodium correction necessary in hyperglycemia?
A: Hyperglycemia causes osmotic fluid shifts that dilute sodium concentration, leading to pseudohyponatremia. Correction provides the true sodium level.

Q2: What is the clinical significance of corrected sodium?
A: It helps guide appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, especially in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).

Q3: Are there different correction formulas?
A: Yes, some sources use 1.6 mEq/L per 100 mg/dL glucose increase, but the 2.0 mEq/L correction is widely accepted and commonly used.

Q4: When should sodium correction be applied?
A: Correction should be considered when glucose levels exceed 100 mg/dL, particularly in diabetic emergencies.

Q5: Does this correction apply to all patients?
A: The formula is most accurate for glucose levels between 100-400 mg/dL. Extreme hyperglycemia may require more complex calculations.